On Thursday, October 19, the U.S. Department of State released advice to travelers around the world urging U.S. citizens to “exercise increased caution” when abroad, “due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks and protests or violent actions against American citizens and interests.
The alert arrives while the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas is intensifying in the Middle East. According to THE New York TimesThe advisory is also a response to protests around the world that have, in some cases, led to “violent clashes at U.S. diplomatic complexes.” Throughout this week, protesters around the world have held demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Gaza Strip, calling for an end to airstrikes and the Israeli blockade of the territory, according to the PA. There are also demonstrations New York City calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and Washington DC calling on President Biden to push for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
But what does the State Department's warning mean for anyone currently traveling or about to travel? And does this actually suggest that you shouldn’t travel…at all?
The short answer is no. But the warning is a good reminder to do exactly what it says, which is, for now, to be careful in unfamiliar environments.
“I don't think the notice is asking people to cancel their planned trip, but it is asking all of us to be more vigilant when we travel,” says Mei Zhang, founder of the travel agency. Wild China and a member of Condé Nast TravelerIt is Global Advisory Council. “For me, this means being more vigilant in airports, avoiding busy iconic tourist spots, not having your eyes glued to your phone while traveling. Look around you. » As a precaution, Zhang recommends enrolling in the State Department's program. STEP program, as well as keeping friends and family informed of your travel plans. “Just be a little more careful,” she said. “It’s a good idea regardless of the warning.”
As for the evolution of travel plans, Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of the travel agency Distant lands, says many of its clients have canceled travel plans to Israel, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, among others, and shifted their trips to destinations geographically far from active conflict zones. (Learn more about navigation coming soon travel to the border countries of Israel and Gaza here.)
While reconsidering itineraries, Heald advises all travelers not to panic: “Look at the facts,” Heald says. “Study a map and avoid dangerous areas. Buy travel insurance so if the situation spreads or gets worse – and we all sincerely hope it doesn’t – you’re covered.
Luis Vargas, CEO and founder of a travel operator Modern Adventure, recommends finding out. Find out about local news in the area of your planned destination to get a better idea of what's really happening on the ground. “In many cases, major events – both political and natural – are concentrated locally or regionally, meaning neighboring areas may not be affected,” says Vargas. For example, during and after the earthquake in Morocco in Septembersome communities have seen the worst, while Marrakech and other parts of the country were virtually unaffected. An event that occurs in one part of a country or region does not mean that it occurs everywhere in that country or region.
